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New York Mets: The best moments of Mike Piazza’s Mets career

By Michael Carballeira

NEW YORK, NY - JULY 30: Mike Piazza waves to the fans before his number retirement ceremony before the start of a game between the Colorado Rockies and New York Mets at Citi Field on July 30, 2016 in the Flushing neighborhood of the Queens borough of New York City. (Photo by Rich Schultz/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NY - JULY 30: Mike Piazza waves to the fans before his number retirement ceremony before the start of a game between the Colorado Rockies and New York Mets at Citi Field on July 30, 2016 in the Flushing neighborhood of the Queens borough of New York City. (Photo by Rich Schultz/Getty Images) /
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New York Mets catcher Mike Piazza (L) is congratulated by teammates (2nd, L to R) Todd Ziele, Robin Ventura, Armando Benitez and Bobby Jones after the Mets beat the Atlanta Braves 3-2 behind an eighth inning 2-run home run by Piazza 21 September, 2001 at Shea Stadium in New York City. Security was high and the signs of patriotism everywhere as the two teams played the first baseball game in New York since the terrorist attack on the World Trade Center twin towers 11 September. AFP PHOTO/Matt CAMPBELL (Photo by MATT CAMPBELL / AFP) (Photo credit should read MATT CAMPBELL/AFP via Getty Images)
New York Mets catcher Mike Piazza (L) is congratulated by teammates (2nd, L to R) Todd Ziele, Robin Ventura, Armando Benitez and Bobby Jones after the Mets beat the Atlanta Braves 3-2 behind an eighth inning 2-run home run by Piazza 21 September, 2001 at Shea Stadium in New York City. Security was high and the signs of patriotism everywhere as the two teams played the first baseball game in New York since the terrorist attack on the World Trade Center twin towers 11 September. AFP PHOTO/Matt CAMPBELL (Photo by MATT CAMPBELL / AFP) (Photo credit should read MATT CAMPBELL/AFP via Getty Images) /

The swing that lifted New York

On September 11th, 2001 New York saw the worst terrorist act happen right in front of their eyes. When the World Trade Center buildings were hit it ruined New Yorkers and everyone around the country. This act hit people physically, emotionally, and mentally and nobody knew how we would be able to fix ourselves.

Sports in New York were shut down after this tragic event until September 21st when the New York Mets restarted games against the rival Atlanta Braves. These two teams hate each other but for the night they were able to put their differences aside and stand united.

They did so as the two teams met to shake hands after the singing of the national anthem. It was a Friday night game against the Braves but the feel in the air was way different on this night.

The offense was very quiet all night which did not help the fans in a sold-out Shea Stadium who were still feeling emotions from ten days prior. Yes, baseball resumed but hearts were still aching.

When the eighth inning came the Mets were trailing 2-1 and then the magic began. Edgardo Alfonzo came up with one out and drew a walk to put the tying run on base with Mike Piazza looming on deck.

Piazza was the man of the New York Mets so if magic was to happen this is where the feelings were beginning. With Steve Karsay on the mound and a first ball strike to Piazza, the next pitch is a moment Mets fans and New Yorkers all over will never forget. The great Howie Rose was on the call:

"“And it’s hit deep to left-center…Andrew Jones on the run….this one has a chance…HOME RUN! MIKE PIAZZA! And the Mets lead it 3-2!”"

Piazza hit a deep shot left-center to give the Amazin’s a 3-2 lead and the team was able to hold on in the top of the ninth to win the game. The swing from Piazza yes it won the game but that swing was way more than just a win for the Mets; it was a win for all New Yorkers.

Shea Stadium erupted when that ball left the bat of Piazza but they erupted because it gave them a reason to cheer with all. The entire stadium was one that night and in that very moment, New Yorkers picked up their heads and knew there is no violent act that can keep this country down without a fight.

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